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Things have been going really well... after i went to my doctor. I had a severe case of "can't get off my ass and do anythingitis". That doctor's visit quickly fixed that.

My doctor knew something was up right away without me saying anyhing because of a 30lb weight gain (eep). After explaining my situtation, I left with a Rx for Antabuse, an alcohol deterrant that makes you violently ill if you consume alcohol and Librium, an anxiety pill to help with the withdrawal jitters that I was having.

I got home that night late after getting the Rx's filled....and had a glass of wine. In retrospect, probably not the best idea after getting set to stop drinking, but I was experience tremors and a glass of wine stopped that quicker than taking the pills at that later hour. It tasted horrible but quenched the phsycial addiction for the moment.

I finished that glass and dumped the rest of the bottle down the drain and began the Rx's the following day 6/27/07.

I took the Librium for only a couple days as the phsycial addiction part seemed to subside pretty quickly. I haven't tested out the antabuse to see if it does what it's supposed to do and I don't think I want to either. (EDIT: i am taking the antabuse but haven't drank on it... that's the part i don't want to find out if it works. Just realized the original wording made it sound like i wasn't taking it at all.)

I haven't had a drink in 3 weeks now and I am feeling remarkably better physically and mentally. The gout-like aches I was having have greatly diminished. I stopped taking my Lexapro for depression and that seemed to work well too. My mind is alot clearer but I still do have moments of forgetfullness, like leaving my passenger window open on my car by accident (not a good thing to do in florida where it rains daily..luckily it didn't rain while it was open)

I finally managed to get the apartment cleaned up (though puppy did sulk for 2 days because all of her 'toys' aka 'trash' was thrown away.

I thought I was going to be very bored not having anything to 'do' without drinking. I was surprised at how wrong that thinking was. I can barely keep up with all the things i want to do now.

I also switched my work shift to start an hour later and that's a big help. I've dropped 14 lbs in over the last 3 weeks.

I haven't started any type of aa yet, but I am going to go to a gay group this saturday in downtown orlando that a coworker who goes there recommends.

You scared a lot of people with your blog and those photos! I am glad that you have taken the first steps and realize that it isn't going to be easy. The antibuse should be kept on the shelf as an "if you need it" med, because it will react with a lot of everyday things that might contain alcohols (mouthwash, some toothpastes, etc.).

It is heartening to hear that you are on your way back. Hope to see you in September!

you should be very proud of yourself for taking this huge step.I wish you the best on this battle and I am cheering for you.Kaletra is my alcohol deterrant that makes me violently ill if I consume alcohol. I am glad I gave up drinking, but the absent mind thing is always there...but that is just me...such a space cadet!!!!keep us posted and shout if you need someone to talk to

Rich(who gets a new cell phone every other month because he missplaces them all the time)

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POSITIVE PEDALERS... We are a group of people living with HIV/AIDS, eliminating stigma through our positive public example.

It is good to hear from you, and I am happy to know that things are improving for you. And what's most important is that you are happier. Keep up the good work.

Cheers,

Henry

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"Life in Lubbock, Texas, taught me two things: One is that God loves you and you're going to burn in hell. The other is that sex is the most awful, filthy thing on earth and you should save it for someone you love." - Butch Hancock, Musician, The Flatlanders

Thanks for letting us know the good news about your recovery. I'm glad things are finally starting to turn around for you. Or maybe I should put that differently: I'm glad that you're turning yourself around.

Glad to see you checked in with us. I've seen you logged in a couple times here. I am also glad to hear that things are going much better for you. It's a different world, without the booze. A new beginning. Continued success with your recovery !

Oh Bailey...this is the best news I have heard all day!! You had me worried, and frankly I didn't respond earlier, cause I was really pissed off with you! Do NOT give up and DO NOT for a minute pick up a bottle...

I know what its like to work through addiction...You will make it, and I am so very proud of you for making this step!!

As one who has quit the heroin, the cocaine, and now the cigarettes... I can empathize somewhat.

Seriously... be a cunt when you want to be. That's all I'm gonna tell you. Just. Be. A. Cunt.

Oh, and eat lots of dark chocolate. It turns into dopamine pretty easily and helps you feel good about yourself.

Fun!

Congratulations! I know how hard it is to stop doing a chemical that gets you through the shitfest that is life. Believe me, I know.

But as one who is sort of on the other side... in the most cheeky sort of way, of course... I can attest to the fact that it's well worth it. You won't regret this. Just allow yourself to be a cunt when you want to.

Fantastic news! It only gets easier and better from here. I always had the same apprehension about quitting, "what am I going to do with my time and for fun?", and guess what, I have been busier getting things done than ever before. I love it.Like all my old alcho friends used to say, I am sick of tired of being sick and tired.I am so happy for your success. You will have moments where you want to drink,relax because they will pass,and you will get stronger each time.I had a dr.friend say he is thinking of using chantrix for patients wanting to quit drinking. he has had great success with this pfizer drug for smokers.

Hey there seetpea,I'm really tickled for you to have the stamina, and intestinal fortitude to go at this problem, and make the monumental changes you have. I'm very proud of you.Hang in there hon, I know you can keep the momentum.Kisses on all of your openings(as one of our illustrious friends would say).I've been thinking of you.If you ever need to talk, I'll be around.

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No Fear No Shame No StigmaHappiness is not getting what you want, but wanting what you have.

Hey Bailey- Great news about stopping drinking. I hope those shakes are better. Like someone else said, when you feel like taking a drink, post here about it. Also, get phone numbers at the meeting you go to and use them. Good luck. One step at a time.. Betty

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I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Quitting an addiction is one of the hardest things you will ever do.It is also one of the most rewarding.

Life is a great thing .... it would be a shame to have someone with as much talent and personality as you let it go to waste via the bottle. I hope that in the future when you are feeling like you can't cope, you seek out friends and confidants rather than chemicals.

I look forward to hearing more about your progress.

Scott

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Floating through the void in the caress of two giant pink lobsters named Esmerelda and Keith.